People could use their cell phones and smartphones to find available parking spaces and plug their meters in Milwaukee under a new program the city may soon bring online.

Milwaukee is seeking a company to design and set up the system by mid-November. It would affect the city’s on-street meters and those in city parking lots, according to a request for contractor proposals.

The online program would identify available parking spaces near drivers and plug the virtual meter via a phone app or text message. It would then send people a message when their parking is about to expire so they can pay for additional time.

Companies seeking the city contract may also include mapping programs to help people find where they parked their car, or the ability to recoup money if they need a space for less time than they initially paid for.

People would register online and provide a credit or debit card number.

The search for a company to set up and run the system follows Milwaukee elected officials' September 2013 approval of such a program. At the time, it was expected that the company creating and running the program would collect convenience fees ranging from 25 to 50 cents per transaction.

It is intended to improve enforcement, since parking checkers will have access to the information, and to improve Milwaukee’s image by reducing complaints. It also is designed to generate more money from on-street parking. The city last year collected $4.98 million in parking meter revenue.

Companies have until Aug. 28 to submit proposals to create the system, and the city will select a firm by the end of September. The initial contract will be for at least three years, with the option to extend the contract another five years.

Reporter Sean Ryan covers commercial and residential real estate for the Milwaukee Business Journal and through the Real Estate Roundup blog on the website. He also covers construction, highways and public transit.

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